Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Switches

The Catalyst 2960 is probably the most widely deployed access switch ever made. Even though the line is now end-of-sale, the installed base is enormous — which makes the aftermarket the practical source for replacements and closet expansion.

Knowing which 2960 you actually have

• 2960 / 2960-Plus — original Fast Ethernet and Gigabit access
• 2960-S — Gigabit with 10G uplink options and FlexStack
• 2960-X — the highest-volume generation; FlexStack-Plus, PoE+ options
• 2960-XR — as 2960-X plus IP Lite, adding static routing
• 2960-L — a later, lower-cost fixed-configuration variant
• 2960-CX — compact form factor for desk and wall deployment

The two things that determine capability

First, the software image. LAN Lite and LAN Base are meaningfully different — LAN Lite caps VLAN counts and omits features people routinely assume are present. The 2960-XR's IP Lite image is what adds static routing. The image is part of what you are buying, not something you can freely upgrade afterwards.

Second, stacking. FlexStack and FlexStack-Plus are not the same and require the correct module and cables, which are separate parts from the switch.

Because the 2960 line is end-of-support, there are no new IOS releases — a point worth weighing for internet-facing or compliance-bound deployments. Tell us the exact model and image you need and we will confirm what the unit is running before it ships.